§ 41. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to improve the street lighting on the A19 trunk road in the town of Easingwold.
Mr. Bob BrownTraffic conditions on A19 at Easingwold have been reviewed. Until more dangerous stretches of trunk road have been lit, schemes such as this cannot be included in the programme.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the only built-up area on the A19 that is not adequately lit? Is he further aware that there are two important schools on this stretch of road and that the cost of installing street lighting would be less than £2,000? The parents of the children are naturally indignant at the risk the children are having to take because of the parsimony of his Department.
Mr. BrownI appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's concern for his constituents but I must reiterate that our funds are limited and that we have to operate a priority system or merit rating based on saving injury and death in accidents. Under that priority system, lighting is installed on the more dangerous stretches of road and unfortunately the A19 is not at the top of the league for merit rating.